Gulf Coast Chefs and Seafood

September 21, 2010

by A. V. Crofts Travel and portrait photographer Nisha Sondhe came to New Orleans to document the city's oyster chefs and fishermen. Read more about her trip in Requiem for an Oyster. Upperline Restaurant
Owner JoAnn Clevenger and Chef Ken Smith dine in front of Upperline Restaurant. At the time of the photo, their local oyster supply had been suspended.Nisha Sondhe

Pascal's Manale
Chef Mark DeFelice of Pascal's Manale and his frutta del mare, made with fresh oysters that had been delivered that morning. He served it with Estancia Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles 2007.Nisha Sondhe

Pascal's Manale
A close-up of the frutta del mare at Pascal's Manale. "It had just arrived from the kitchen and we were waiting for Mark to join us for the photo. I couldn't resist," says photographer Nisha Sondhe.Nisha Sondhe

Jean Lafitte
Capt. E. J. Plaisance Jr. of Jean Lafitte Fishing Charters. "Captain Plaisance was the one who took us around for the sunrise shots and helped us plan our trip," says Sondhe. "He told us he'd been out of work all summer. In July he used to take his boat out on tours and trips every day, maybe twice a day. This July he had one booking. I think it was ours."Nisha Sondhe